Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage
District: Évora > Redondo > Redondo
Monte da Palheta and its Hermitage of S. Barnabé stand in a dominant position over the surrounding landscape, in the municipality of Redondo, Évora district. Its elevation provides an unobstructed view over the vast Alentejo plains, marked by cork oaks, holm oaks, and olive groves, stretching to the horizon. This location offers an environment of serenity and contemplation, characteristic of the Alentejo's quietness, allowing visitors to absorb the natural beauty and the vastness of the territory.
The Hermitage of S. Barnabé is a testament to the popular devotion and faith that shaped the rural communities of Alentejo over the centuries. These small temples, often isolated and built on elevated points, served as places of pilgrimage and prayer, where people gathered to honor their patron saint or invoke protection. The presence of the hermitage on this hill suggests a deep historical connection with the religious and agrarian traditions of the Redondo region, representing a cultural and spiritual reference point for the area.
The structure of the Hermitage of S. Barnabé, though modest, mirrors the simplicity and functionality of rural Alentejo religious architecture. It is common for these constructions to feature a single nave, whitewashed walls that reflect the intense sunlight of the region, and, at times, a small bell tower crowning the facade. The sobriety of its features integrates harmoniously into the landscape, serving as a point of refuge and introspection. The natural surroundings of Monte da Palheta complement the hermitage, offering a setting of peace and quiet, ideal for those seeking a moment of contemplation away from the bustle.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.65421972492265,-7.69034095733531
Coordinates DMS: 38°39'15.2"N 07°41'25.2"W